Egypt and Her F-16s: Planes, Shame and Autocrats

On January 22nd, four of the proposed twenty F-16 fighter jets were delivered to Egypt. The jets, decorated with Egypt’s flag on their tails, are part of a $213 million “gift” from the United States. Why, to paraphrase the contemptible Hillary Clinton, should that matter? After all, Egypt is already in possession of more than of 200 such aircraft, courtesy of their “friend,” America. What do another four or even twenty such military aircraft in Egypt’s bloody hands matter?

Perhaps it matters because the highly questionable “gift” of such military might was originally intended for Hosni Mubarak in 2010. A fawning Lyin’ King, in collusion with Congress, finding fault with Israel’s ability to defend herself, was working overtime to level the playing field. In case anyone in Washington is paying attention, however, Hosni Mubarak is no longer in power in Egypt; Mohamed Morsi is. Tenuously.

Morsi is, without question, head of a Muslim Brotherhood government. He has, among other things, threatened to renege on the treaty Egypt has documented with Israel. He has publicly likened Israelis to pigs and dogs. He publicly prays for Israel’s destruction. His thugs employ murder, beatings and rape to suppress protesters. Oh yes, and he has publicly declared (quite accurately in this case) our newly anointed president as a liar. And the United States as an “enemy” of Egypt.

In short, he kicks America in the pants while picking our pockets. All with the blessing of our sycophantic, anti-Semitic, Imperial President.

Perhaps it matters because development of the F-16, a staple in the military arsenal for more than 25 years, is not static. The aircraft delivered to Egypt are 4th generation, with advanced electronics.

The Vice President of Lockheed, the F-16’s manufacturer (John Larson), seems ecstatic about the deal: “This is a great day for Lockheed Martin and a testament to the enduring partnership and commitment we have made to the government of Egypt … We remain committed to providing our customer with a proven, advanced 4th Generation multirole fighter … In an air combat role, the F-16’s maneuverability and combat radius exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft.”

Why shouldn’t Larson be happy? Thanks to our Commander in Chief, America sure won’t be purchasing any F-16’s. The fiction about calling Egypt a “partner,” though, is a bit difficult to swallow. But if our president gets away with it, day in and day out, why shouldn’t Larson have a crack at it?

The U.S. Air Force adds to the F-16’s virtues: “The F-16 can fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.” How nice for Egypt.

Perhaps it matters because Egypt is in possession of an embarrassment of airborne, military might. But Egypt doesn’t need it to defend itself. Egypt can, however, attack. The only countries it has declared worthy of aggression are Israel and America. Israel is considerably closer to Egypt. Well within striking range, according to the Air Force. So, conspiracy theories aside, why is America arming a hostile, insurgent nation?

Perhaps it matters because Egypt’s “Arab Spring” has become a Sha’aria-dominated, winter wasteland. Let us not forget where the “spontaneous”, Muslim uprisings began. They ended with the nothing-to-see-here Benghazi disaster.

Perhaps it matters because The Lyin’ King all but has to be water boarded with inescapable, public fact before he reluctantly calls an act of terror what it is. His lies and those of our gallant Secretary of State are still ringing in our ears. Both have been captured on tape for posterity, mouthing egregious falsehoods. And yet, our neutered, obsequious Senate still wags their tails in submission, grateful for the mendacity of those entrusted with our welfare.

It matters because, among Mohamed Morsi, our Congress and our president, it’s a craps shoot as to who is the most duplicitous … and dangerous.

About the author: Marilyn Assenheim

Marilyn Assenheim was born and raised in New York City. She spent a career in healthcare management although she probably should have been a casting director. Or a cowboy. A serious devotee of history and politics, Marilyn currently lives in the NYC metropolitan area.